South African Forward Wessels Given Nine-Match Ban for Inappropriate Contact

South Africa front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels faces a suspension of nine games for touching opponent Josh Murphy's private parts during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship victory over the Irish province.

The altercation took place in the 18th minute of the close contest against Connacht on Friday, with opposing player Murphy receiving a 20-minute red card after striking back by hitting Wessels on the head.

After the Connacht player complained to the match official, the situation was checked by the TMO, who concluded no definitive proof.

Wessels stayed on the pitch until he was replaced in the second half of the game.

While the URC confirmed that Murphy's temporary sending-off was rescinded by a governing body, Wessels was found to have violated the code of conduct, which states:

"A player should not do anything that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. Such behavior covers touching, pulling or squeezing the private areas."

The panel determined that the contact reached the red card threshold and warranted a three-month ban, the shortest ban under World Rugby regulations for such an infringement.

However, the player's suspension was shortened by 21 days because of his cooperative behavior during the hearing and his good record.

The forward and the Pretoria-based team are entitled to appeal, but currently, the ban will prevent the young player out of the South African national team's autumn Tests against Japan, France, Italy and Ireland.

Wessels will additionally be absent for the Bulls' URC games against Warriors, the Emirates Lions and the Sharks, as well as European cup games with Bègles and Northampton.

Wessels has won 10 caps for the Springboks and was included in their Rugby Championship-winning team during the recent tournament.

Murphy, in contrast, is available to face Munster in Saturday's domestic clash after being cleared.